The BBC and Russian aircraft - a small but telling example.

Since nothing dramatic is going on (thanks God for that!), I can mention little things which want to share with you.  This time, yet again, its the BBC which triggered my disgust.  This is the BBC article about the airplane crash which took place in Algeria today:

An Algerian military transport plane has crashed in the north-east of the country, killing all but one of the 78 people on board. The Hercules C-130 crashed into a mountain in Oum al-Bouaghi province, en route to Constantine, in bad weather conditions. One survivor is being treated for head injuries, reports said. The government and military say 78 people were on board - not 103 as reported by officials and local media. Most of those on board were military personnel and their family members. "I saw the military plane crashing, and it was cut into two pieces," a firefighter, Mohamed, told Reuters news agency at Ouled Gacem, near the crash site. Women and children were among the 77 bodies recovered from the crash site. Dozens of rescue workers reached the scene, despite the mountainous terrain and wintry weather conditions (...)

Nothing special, right?   True.

And yet, there is something very obnoxious here.  The article says "Hercules C-130".  It does not say "US-built Hercules C-130".  So what?  Why should the BBC specify that the C-130 is build in the USA?  I don't see a reason for that too.

But my question is this: why is it that when a Russian-built aircraft crashes the BBC always, always, absolutely *always* writes "Russian-built Tupolev" or "Russian-built Antonov".  If you do not believe me, look in the BBC archives for yourself.  Western-built aircraft are always designated by model only, but if the aircraft is Russian, then it is always referred to as "Russian-built".  Why?

To associate Russian aircraft with crashes, of course.  Nevermind that in fact Russian aircraft are mostly more reliable than their western equivalents, that they are easier to maintain, and that they can take infinitely more abuse.  And nevermind that the Russian air transport industry has a safety record pretty much on par with the West.  If it crashes, its because it is Russian-built.

Think I am paranoid - check for yourself.

I even wrote to the BBC a few years ago.  Never got a reply.

Does that mean that the BBC has some kind of minder which sits there and makes sure that every time a Russian-built aircraft crashes its country of origin is mentioned? Of course not.  It's much worse than that.  This has become a cultural automatism.  Reporters do that automatically, without even thinking about it.  

It's a little thing, of course, but it is typical of an imperial, of not racist, mindset.

Next time an aircraft crashes, see for yourself is this "Saker law of BBC coverage" holds or not.

Cheers,

The Saker

Homo logic applied to the Olympics and sports in general

This morning I was watching the pairs figure skating when it suddenly hit me: the couples were always one man and one woman.  How reactionary!  After all, the homo lobby wants to be called the LGBT or Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender community.  Okay.  But then, there is also an "asexual" or "non-sexual" community out there.  They even have a cool little website out there.  According to Wikipedia, that community can be subdivided in the following subcategories:

• aromantic: lack of romantic attraction towards anyone
• biromantic (also ambiromantic): romantic attraction towards men and women (but not necessarily at the same time) , or romantic attraction towards two or more genders – the romantic aspect of bisexuality
• heteroromantic: romantic attraction towards person(s) of a different gender – the romantic aspect of heterosexuality
• homoromantic: romantic attraction towards person(s) of the same gender – the romantic aspect of homosexuality
• panromantic: romantic attraction towards person(s) of every gender – the romantic aspect of pansexuality
• polyromantic: romantic attraction towards multiple, but not all, genders. The romantic aspect of polysexuality.
• andromantic, gyneromantic, and ambiromantic: romantic attraction towards person(s) expressing masculinity or femininity or intersex/third gender-mixing (respectively) without implying the gender of the individual experiencing the attraction; often used by asexuals with a non-binary gender identity. The romantic aspect of androphilia, gynephilia, and ambiphilia.
• demiromantic or demisexual: a person who may identify as "grey romantic" or a "grey asexual", respectively, because they may feel romantic attraction or sexual attraction once a reasonably stable or large emotional connection has been created

But to keep things simple, let's just add an "A" to the LGBT designation and make it into LGBTA.  What does that mean for sports?

I think that, logically, the old-fashioned and thoroughly "passé" paradigm of men, woman and man+woman couple should be replaced by a much for natural and forward looking:

1. man (hetero)
2. man (homo)
3. man (bi)
4. man (asex)
5. woman (hetero)
6. woman (homo)
7. woman (bi)
8. woman (asex)
9. trans 

I think that this covers all the basics.  And then, for pairs, would could either also use these basic categories or, which is much more fun and "diverse", we could make a matrix of all the possible combinations.  That would initially complicate things, but it would also generate some memorable and refreshingly new events like, "man (asex) + trans" or a "man (bi) + woman (asex)" pairs skating.

A big problem with that system is that it discriminates against gender-identities which society reproves of, like pedophiles or hebephiles which, for the time being, is okay, but which, considering the speed at which yesterday's "bad" is declared today's "good", might be a problem tomorrow.  So I suggest leaving a few empty spots for tomorrow's paraphilia.

It is high time for us to break free from the confining categories of the old man-dominated system of patriarchal oppression and that we finally give the right to all the beautiful diversity of mankind peoplekind to freely blossom!

The Saker

[PS: for my (serious) posts on this topic, see here, here and here.]

Candid admission: the United States has already spent five billion dollars ($5,000,000,000) to subvert Ukraine

Thanks for Karin for sending me the link to this great "confession" by Victoria Nuland (wife of Robert Kagan and former Hillary "spokesperson"):

In the meantime, Google engages is some "oh so subtle" homo-propaganda

Check out the subtle message of Google to Russia:

The suggested notion is simple: Russia does not give the "possibility of practicing sport without discrimination" to homosexuals.

Pathetic.

The Saker

Another phone intercept from the Ukraine - this time German diplomats

This is a conversation between two senior German diplomats: Helga Schmid, Deputy Secretary General for Catherine Ashton’s European External Action Service and Jan Tombinski, the EU ambassador to Ukraine.



It goes like that: (my own quickie rough translation from German)

Hello?

This is Helga.  I wanted to tell you in confidence that the Americans are going around saying that we are too weak and that their stance is stronger on sanctions. I spoke with Cathy and we are on the same line which we have to prepare in a very intelligent way, as we have already discussed it, but you need to know that we are very angry at the Americans for accusing the EU of being too soft, they have said so to reporters.  Maybe you could tell the US Ambassador that we are not soft at all and that we have recently come up with a strong statement about Bulatov (inaudible).  It makes me angry that the media here says that the US is on the side of freedom.

But Helga you need to realize that we are not in a competition to see how will make the strongest statement...we have other instruments... it is good that...

But you have to see that I don't want Cathy to be hurt or stuck into a corner as this would take on a different political meaning.  Cathy will raise this issue with Kerry and I want you to know that while we are not in a competition it is very unfair on their part to spread such things

Let me tell you that I have learned just a few minutes ago that the opposition will make a new offer to the President and I will immediately write that to Cathy and to you.

Okay thanks!

Thanks bye!

 Neat, no?

The Saker

Yet another very telling sign of the growing military alliance between Russia and China

As foreign leaders have begun to arrive in Sochi, something quite unique happened at the arrival of Chinese President Xi Jinping.  First, he was greeted by President Putin, like all the other heads of state, but then the two men left of a special communications room to speak with the senior commanders of the Russian and Chinese navies.  The amazing thing was that this was a joint videoconference which saw the Russian and Chinese naval commanders reporting to their respective Presidents while both sides stood literally shoulder to shoulder.  See for yourself a photo of this event from the naval side:

I personally find this both quite amazing and very telling: at a time when the USA is constantly provoking and bullying China (over territorial waters) and Russia (over the Ukraine), and at a time when senior US academics are seriously suggesting that a war with Russia might happen, Russia and China are showing signs of not only political, but also operational collaboration.

I think that the message is clear.  The only question is: is anybody in Washington paying any attention?

The Saker

Protecting the Olympic Games in Sochi - a most difficult mission for the Russian security services

Today I just want to share with you my very real fears about either a terrorist attack or an "accident" of some kind in Sochi.  What frightens me is that the list of potential "sponsors" for such an event is very long: the Saudis, of course, and their overt threats, but also the Anglosphere and it's covert subcontractors of al-Qaeda and its affiliates worldwide.  Less likely, but still possible, is some kind of attack by the Ukrainian extremists (they fought Russia in Chechnia, Georgia and even in Syria).  But the main threat, I think, comes from the Anglosphere whose media has been constantly hammering in the message that "Putin put his reputation at stake in the Olympics" or that "Russia is trying to market itself as an attractive country to invest in" during the Games.  Both of these claims are vastly overblown, by the way.  Sure, like any other head of state Putin put a lot of effort into preparing for these Games and, of course, Russia hopes for a great success.  But nobody in Russia seriously considers these games as some kind of litmus test of national prestige.  And yet, the Anglo corporate media constantly repeat this message, over and over again.  It makes me wonder whether it is in preparation to some kind of failure which would then finally give the West a chance to delight in a tragedy for which it would, of course, blame the Kremlin.

Do you think I exaggerate?

Hardly.

Just remember the gleeful display of Schadenfreude of the Anglo media any tragedy happens in Russia, especially one which could be blamed on the Kremlin.  From the various hostage crises (Buddennovsk, Nord-Ost, Beslan), to the (still unexplained) sinking of the Kursk, to the 08.08.08 war with Georgia - each time the Anglo corporate media openly rejoiced to see the "Russian bear" being wounded.  So considering the numerous humiliations suffered by the Anglosphere in recent years at the hand of the much-hated Putin, I am really afraid that something will happen in Sochi.

Russian cops - here mostly to reassure the visitors

The good news is that the current Russian government is probably as good as it gets in its ability to prevent a terrorist attack or an "accident" and the Russian security services have recovered much, possible most, of their traditional capabilities.  The local security services have put up a big "display of security", which is fine, but which really will play only a minor role in protecting the Games.  Most of the real security work will have to be done behind the scenes with a combination of detection, monitoring, penetration, negotiations and threats (depending on the nature of the potential enemy).  We will probably never hear about these efforts, but they are crucial.  There are always many more targets than forces to protect them and a determined terrorist is practically unstoppable.

Officially, the West is fully supportive of Russia and the US offered its full "expertise" to "assist" Russia.  They even warned about possible toothpaste-bombs.  Being the diplomat that he is, Putin warmly thanked the Americans for their valuable assistance and invited western security officials to join the special security headquarters created for these games by the Russian security services.  So officially, its all smiles and support.

I think that we all know what the real story is.

I will breathe better once these Games are over.

The Saker

Possible phone intercept of a conversation between two top US officials about the Ukraine (UPDATED 2x!)

An anonymous commentator has just drawn my attention to this recording, and even though I am, of course, not sure that it is real, it is simply too good not to pass on.  So with the usual caveat emptor, here is this gem:


Now, is it really real?  A sound recording of this type is really easy to fake, I could do that on my home computer using a sound editor like, say, Audacity.  Still, my gut feeling tells me that this is probably a real intercept.  The stupidity and imperial arrogance of Pyatt and Nuland are absolutely convincing to me.  They sound like typical State Department "suits".

The sound quality if very good, better than in previous phone intercepts leaked by private sector interests in the Ukraine.  This does not sound like a "bug in a phone" thing to me, but more like the intercept of a secure digital line so - if this thing is real - then this leak is probably courtesy of the GRU/SVR/FSB rather than the Ukrainian SBU.

What do you think?

I did a rapid search about this recording and I have found nothing of interest so far.  If you find out anything about it (who leaked it? did the US denounce it as a fake?) please let us know.

The Saker

UPDATE1: it is confirmed, thanks to anonymous, we know is real: 
http://euobserver.com/foreign/123036

UPDATE2: oh what a great joy it was to listen to that silly crap:

A new Cold War?

Yet another absolutely *excellent* CrossTalk show:

"The Fifth Estate" is a disgusting and vicious attempt at discrediting Julian Assange (UPDATED)

I normally don't do movie reviews here, but after watching "The Fifth Estate" yesterday I felt that I ought to warn everybody that this is a crude hatchet job clearly aimed at maliciously slandering Julian Assange and, through him, his defiance of our "1%" overlords.

A quick visit on Wikipedia showed me that there was some "controversy" around the movie.  I will let you read that section yourself, but let me tell you that the truth is infinitely worse than what Wikipedia might suggest.

As in most Anglo movies, the setup is clearly "good guys" versus "bad guys".  The viewer immediately "gets it" that "good guy #1" is Daniel Berg.  Fair enough, since the movie is based on his book.  But then, the list gets longer.  Other "good guys" include:

• The organizers of a hacker conference (which Assange rudely interrupts)
• Daniel's paramour (who clearly hates Assange)
• Daniel's parents (to whom Assange is rude)
• A reporter from The Guardian (who, unlike Assange, stands for "real journalism")
• Some White woman in a senior position in the White House (representing a "caring" government official and a "minority" - women)
• Some Black guy also in a senior position in the White House (also representing a "caring" government official and a "minority" - Blacks)
• Some Libyan traitor who spies for Uncle Sam (who is put in grave danger because of Assange)

So if you did not get it yet, let me help you a little:

Hackers good - Assange bad
Paramours good - Assange bad
Old folks good - Assange bad
Corporate media journalists good - Assange bad
US Government good - Assange bad
US Government good - Assange bad
Traitors who sell out to Uncle Sam good - Assange bad

As for Assange, he is a fanatic who does not care for the consequences of his actions, he is rude to everybody, he is narcissistic and insecure, and he is also a megalomaniac and a psychopath.  The entire world of "good guys" (see above) are trying to hammer some reason into him, alas - in vain.  Assange crazy, crazy, crazy, crazy.

There is one funny thing about this otherwise sickening propaganda movie: the lines delivered by Benedict Cumberbatch (who plays Assange) are totally convincing, at least to me.  Whether this shows an attempt at "balance" on the part of the director or whether this is an expression of my own alienation from society is unclear.  But to me, the Assange in the movie wins every single argument.

Bottom line: regardless of who ordered that movie from Bill Condon - it is a sickening propaganda movie whose sole purpose is to discredit Assange and to show him (and everything he stands for) as a dangerous lunatic.  Our imperial overlords have done everything to isolate and crush Assange who is now holed up in the Ecuadorian Embassy in the UK and gradually forgotten by everybody.  But even that was not good enough for them. Now to further make him pay they have come up with a full-length movie whose sole purpose is to convince us that our governments are basically good and worthy of respect and gratitude, while Assange is an irresponsible psychopath.

One man alone against a planetary system of power based on violence and lies.  This is how I see this plot.  If anything, this movie has convinced me that Julian Assange is a true hero who deserves our respect, gratitude and support.  As for the scumbags who made money for smearing him - let history judge them.

The Saker

UPDATE: for Assange's take on this movie see here: http://wikileaks.org/First-Letter-from-Julian-Assange.html

In the meantime, on the "Ukrainian front"

According to the BBC Western leaders are having a great time in Munich: they are re-igniting the Cold War under the pretext of - what else? - "supporting democracy" in the Ukraine:

European Council President Herman Van Rompuy said the "future of Ukraine belongs with the EU" while US Secretary of State John Kerry said the US backed Ukraine's "fight for democracy".(...) Mr Van Rompuy's opening speech referred to the EU's offer of close association with Ukraine. "The offer is still there and we know time is on our side. The future of Ukraine belongs with the European Union," he said. Mr Kerry launched a broad attack on "a disturbing trend in too many parts of Central and Eastern Europe and the Balkans". He said: "The aspirations of citizens are once again being trampled beneath corrupt, oligarchic interests - interests that use money to stifle political opposition and dissent, to buy politicians and media outlets, and to weaken judicial independence." Mr Kerry added: "Nowhere is the fight for a democratic, European future more important today than in Ukraine. The United States and EU stand with the people of Ukraine in that fight." He said the "vast majority of Ukrainians want to live freely in a safe and prosperous country - they are fighting for the right to associate with partners who will help them realise their aspirations". In an apparent swipe at Moscow, he added that "their futures do not have to lie with one country alone, and certainly not coerced". (...) The White House has confirmed it is discussing possible sanctions against Ukraine with the US Congress. Before arriving in Munich, Mr Kerry said that concessions from President Viktor Yanukovych had "not yet reached an adequate level of reform".

Ain't that something?  When Yanokovich does exactly *nothing* to stop the neo-Nazi rioters from burning cops, seizing government buildings, threatening to "go on the attack", calling for the overthrow of the government and openly calling for the intervention of foreign powers the West considers that as "trampling upon democracy".  But when Eltsin orders his tank to shoot at the Russian Parliament and kills thousands of civilians the West gives him full support.

Go figure....  Democracy is so complicated to understand....

In the meantime, Yanukovich has made it known that he has the flu and that he needs some time off to recover.  Seriously, I kid you not.  The Ukraine is on the edge of a civil war, and that fat clown is on "sick leave".

Which raises a question in my mind: who is the most despicable person and the most pathetic President - Eltsin and his vodka or Yanukovich with his flu?

Now, there is good news coming from the Crimean Peninsula: the government of the Crimea and authorities of the city of Sevastopol have come to a full agreement.  They have jointly decided to create and mobilize a "citizen militia" which will act in support of the Peninsula's police forces.  In other words, the Crimean authorities are preparing to secede from the Ukraine if the regime in Kiev falls.  Furthermore,  they are preparing to defend Crimea against any possible attempt by the nationalist to take it by force.  Truly, they have no choice in this matter because the nationalists all want to kick out the Black Sea Fleet form Sevastopol, revoke the special status of the Crimean Peninsula, and "Ukrainify" it.  For the people of Crimea a nationalist coup in Kiev is truly an existential threat.

As for Russia, I can only repeat what I wrote earlier: Russia will not directly intervene in this conflict.  The only exception to this principle would be a violent attempt by nationalists to seize Crimea by force.  In that case there is no doubt in my mind that Russia will intervene militarily, even at a risk of a confrontation with NATO.

Personally, I think that the West will order the nationalists to refrain from trying to take Crimea by force.  Whether these rabid psychopaths will listen is anybody's guess.

The Saker

Dieudonne's music video and an appeal to French speakers (updated)

Dieudonne and his wife have made a small music video together which Dieudo put at the end of his latest web appearance.  I want to share this video with you:

Since Gallier2 has kindly translated the lyrics in a recent comment (merci l'ami!), I will also share that here:

A new wind blows over the planet, wind of renewal, it's the wind of hope.
the one that makes the branches of the big trees dance, coming out of the night to awaken our souls.
It is born in the heart of the African forest. Dancing, slipping on the shores of the Congo river.
The wind of change, natural revolution, inspired by the stars or inspired by God.
It is here, I feel it, it wipes out my fears and strengthens my arms, it's the wind of fight
for the emancipation of the black people and the yellows and the whites, for humanity.
A new wind blows over the planet, wind of renewal, it's the wind of hope.
It opens our eyes and fills our hearts with the light and the faith, it's the wind of joy.
And the chests are swelling and the fists are closing. Mister President lost his drive.
In the face of the shouting gun, the people gathers. It's him who advances and the king who retreats.
Everywhere the bullets whistle and death is close but I don't tremble, I'm here standing still.
It's over will live, not retreating, you can kill me and kill my family.
You will not be able to stop this wind, it has awaken us, the sun has risen.
It warms our hearts, make our children smile et turns off our fears, fills us with courage.
It's the end of the lies, the begin of the march, we will not go back in obscurity...
A new wind blows over the planet, wind of renewal, it's the wind of hope.
The evil one clings to the branches of his tree, resists stubbornly until losing his senses
Noone resists to the big wind of the faith, either you bow or die Mister Liars
A new wind blows over the planet, wind of renewal, it's the wind of hope.
Now I'm well, I breathe and I see. I feel and I believe in hope, in life.
The wind is still here, until when? I don't know. Whatever we will see, it's here and I believe in it
A new wind blows over the planet, wind of renewal, it's the wind of hope.
A new wind blows over the planet, wind of renewal, it's the wind of hope.

Lastly, I have also extracted the mp3 music track from the video and uploaded it to Mediafire to share it with you.  You can get that track here:

https://www.mediafire.com/?3ku4eihiu6afkp3

One more thing for the French speakers here - Alain Soral has recently released an absolutely amazing video about his latest public appearance.  Check it out here:

http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x1abt94_conference-d-alain-soral-a-marseille-vers-l-insoumission-generalisee_news

I will be honest here - I cannot do that myself simply because of a lack of time.  But guys, if somebody could translate and subtitle his speech that would be an ideal way to make Soral better known to the English speaking world.  So if anybody of you could do it, please do and then upload the video somewhere and let me know and, of course, also let the folks at E&R know (email me if you need their email address).

As for me, I will write another post about Dieudo and Soral in the very near future.  Stay tuned.

Kind regards,

The Saker

UPDATE1: a friend just send me this better quality official video from YouTube:
(thanks C.B!)